Bayer and Peking University (PKU) will collaborate to foster the translation of basic pharmaceutical research into drug discovery and development, while accelerating scientific research on cutting-edge technologies across the pharmaceutical value chain.
The collaboration will focus on selected key areas of interests, such as oncology, cardiorenal, immunology, as well as cell and gene therapy. Under the agreement, Bayer will provide funding and support for joint research projects, as well as to scientists at PKU in recognition of their research excellence in life sciences and drug innovation.
This new agreement builds on a strategic academic partnership between Bayer and PKU under which a joint research center at Peking University has been founded to advance the translation of drug discovery and research.
"We look forward to a new chapter of the partnership between Bayer and Peking University moving forward," said Dr. Friedemann Janus, Acting Head of Business Development & Licensing and Open Innovation, Bayer Pharmaceuticals. "This partnership reflects Bayer’s consistent commitment to China as we see more exciting and disruptive innovation coming from China. We will continue to reinforce our collaboration with Peking University and to explore open innovation models. These could translate scientific breakthroughs into innovative treatments, thus making a meaningful impact to lives of patients."
"Peking University has been actively integrating internal and external resources and undertaking the important task of scientific and technological innovation through discipline construction and personnel training. I look forward to working together with Bayer to promote the development of life sciences and medical technology, to achieve a win-win situation for both academia and industry, and to ultimately benefit patients in China and around the world," said Hong Wu, Chair Professor of School of Life Sciences in Peking University and Senior Investigator of Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences.
Academic collaborations have been an integral part of Bayer’s long-standing commitment to fostering drug innovation originated in China and the translation of drug discovery and research. Bayer established strategic collaborations with Peking University and Tsinghua University respectively. Bayer and the two prestigious universities are carrying out joint research projects, including discovery and structural analysis of novel targets, pathogenesis and drug mechanism of action research, drug screening, efficacy evaluation as well as exploration on new modalities, new synthetic methods, and innovative formulations.
About Bayer's Collaborate to Cure Hub China
Bayer's Collaborate to Cure Hub China was established in 2022. The hub's team is fully dedicated to developing regional business development strategy and driving key partnering initiatives and deal making, as well as managing strategic alliances covering both commercial and academic collaborations for Bayer Pharmaceuticals in China. As an integral part of Bayer’s partnering network worldwide, the team is committed to strengthening connection with the China innovation ecosystem and collaborations with local stakeholders and partners, including biopharma, biotech companies and start-ups, as well as universities and research institutions. Its experts focus on scouting local innovation across the entire value chain of drug innovation, exploring partnering opportunities and facilitating dealmaking.
About Bayer
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2022, the Group employed around 101,000 people and had sales of 50.7 billion euros.